Cupping therapy has been used in China since the 3rd Century BC. Earlier mention of this or similar techniques date back to 2000 BC in Egypt and other references in Ancient Greece. It is not clear if these were developed separately or if the technique traveled to Ancient China.

Cupping involves taking a "cup" made from glass, bamboo, metal or pottery and sticking on the body at selected acupuncture points. The cups stick to the body using vacuum suction created by a small flame inserted into the cup. This suction promoted the movement of energy and blood through the deeper layers of the body. This therapy has been useful for common cold, asthma, arthritis, lower back pain, and neck pain.

Cautions & Warnings

Cupping routinely leave bruises which are not harmful but can attract attention. In rare cases blisters may form on the skin that look and occasionally can feel like a second degree burn. In most cases these consequences of treatment are more of an inconvenience than a medical problem requiring attention.